"Our business was established in the late 1960s, when my brother Raimondo and I decided to open the first store selling Sicilian oranges under the Energia Rossa brand in Cinisello Balsamo (Milan). At the time, we sold what we grew on around 3 hectares which, over the years, have become 40. We have always cultivated Tarocco oranges, which are popular on the domestic market for their excellent quality and flavour," explains Vincento Toro.
The company is located in the Catania plain, perfect for cultivating PGI blood oranges.
The entrepreneur stresses how the volumes of blood oranges destined to the traditional market have decreased in favour of those destined to retail.
"That is why, in the early 2000s, we started distributing our produce to wholesale markets. In addition, in the past few years, we have also started selling our fruit to France and Belgium (with Moro and Newhall), Germany and Switzerland."
"The objective is to expand our business abroad, because we firmly believe blood oranges can conquer a significant share of the market. Rather than being only another supplier trying to sell at the lowest price, we try to establish partnerships with our clients guaranteeing high-quality supplies throughout the season, i.e. between December and April."
During the 2016/17 campaign, volumes have been much lower than in the previous year, especially in late areas. This was due to alternate bearing and in part to the bad state of some groves, weakened by the CTV-Citrus Tristeza Virus. Vincenzo Toro is replacing infected trees with plants grafted on tolerant rootstocks.
"There is still a long way to go. We have currently replaced 25% of the groves. Despite the lower volumes, there is no abundance of big grades. This is because the weather was not good in September-October, as there was very little rain and temperatures were mild. Prices have been good, especially in wholesale markets, but it's still too early to make an assessment for the next few months."
The company is also investing in infrastructures for the processing of fruit. In autumn, they transferred to a wider facility to manage orders better and focus on expanding to northern Europe.
"We monitor the entire chain and implement Integrated Production techniques. We also hold the GlobalGAP certification. Our production processes combine technology with the watchful eye of our collaborators."
Harvested oranges are taken to the processing facility and only the best are packaged and shipped. Various sizes and types of packaging are used - cardboard, plastic crates, wooden crates.
Logistics is very quick, as crates are delivered within 24 hours to Italian clients and within 48 hours to European clients.
Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Vincenzo Toro
Via Palermo Z.I.
95046 Palagonia (CT)
Italy
Tel.: (+39) 095 795 2315
Cell.: (+39) 338 6757756
Email: vincenzotoro@tiscali.it
Web: www.energiarossa.it